Science / Year 8 / Science Inquiry Skills / Planning and conducting

Curriculum content descriptions

Measure and control variables, select equipment appropriate to the task and collect data with accuracy (ACSIS141)

Elaborations
  • using specialised equipment to increase the accuracy of measurement within an investigation
  • identifying and explaining the differences between controlled, dependent and independent variables
General capabilities
  • Numeracy Numeracy
ScOT terms

Data collection,  Instrumentation (Technology),  Independence (Experiments),  Scientific control

Interactive

Fair test

Run experiments in a plant research laboratory. Investigate the effects of different variables on the growth of lettuces, peas and tomatoes. Research the answers to questions about how to achieve optimum hydroponic growth conditions. Examine the effect of key variables on growth: nitrogen, temperature, light intensity and ...

Interactive

Rate of Photosynthesis

Students use this resource consisting of eight slides with diagrams, written explanation and voice-over to understand how to measure the rate of photosynthesis and understand what factors affect it. A detailed method is suggested for measuring the effect of varying levels of light. There is a two-question quiz and a summary slide.

Interactive

iPlan

This resource contains ten IWB flipcharts as well as Flash alternative exercises and models how to plan a scientific investigation, choose the right equipment and follow safe working practices.

Video

Density Simulation (sk-Intel)

This resource is in the style of an 'authentic' scientific investigation. The investigation is set in a crime lab where finding the densities of the various items can solve the crime. The tool enables students to explore mass and volume for a variety of solids and liquids and hence determine their densities.

Online

MoneySmart: Light up the globe!

This unit of work will help students make an informed choice on which light globe to use from the wide range of light globes now available. Their choice will be based on cost, value for money, life span of globe, light output and energy used. Students will also gain an understanding of how light output and electricity (energy) ...

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Industrial design challenge – separating materials lesson

is lesson provides a great introduction to the idea of separating mixtures and enables students to consider separation as a process that operates on macroscopic levels. Students also learn about waste management and recycling processes in Australia. The lesson provides students with an opportunity to engage in hands-on ...

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Naked Egg

This activity invites students to use a giant cell (a de-shelled chicken egg) to explore the comings and goings of cellular substances. The activity includes a list of tools and materials required, what to do and notice, an explanation for the underlying science of what students observe and suggestions for further activities.

Video

Stellar scintillation

This resource explores a concept belonging to the Meriam (Mer) people of the Torres Strait who have long understood the importance of stellar scintillation to their lives. and the ways it can prove useful in understanding our environment. This activity involves watching a video of an elder playing a Meriam star song and ...

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Seed Germinator

This activity invites students to explore the process of seed germination and the early phases of plant development. The activity includes a list of tools and materials required, what to do and notice, an explanation for the underlying science of what students observe and suggestions for further activities.

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Working scientifically and physical world – The cooling rate of water

This activity challenges students to plan and undertake an investigation into what affects the cooling rate of hot water. The task is intended to be a formative skill-based task which aims at providing feedback to students as well as allowing students the opportunity to self-reflect on the completion of a practical task.

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Output of a Solar Cell

This activity invites students to measure the efficiency of solar cells as they convert sunlight to power. The activity includes a list of tools and materials required, assembly instructions, what to do and notice, an explanation for the underlying science of what students observe and suggestions for further activities.

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Work sample Year 8 Science: Bouncing ball

This work sample demonstrates evidence of student learning in relation to aspects of the achievement standards for Year 8 Science. The primary purpose for the work sample is to demonstrate the standard, so the focus is on what is evident in the sample not how it was created. The sample is an authentic representation of ...

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Living world

This collection of resources focus on biology concepts in year ten. The resource includes a learning sequence that allows students to investigate the requirements for plant growth using an inquiry-based learning activity. There are also links to external resources that focus on meiosis and body systems.

Video

Four Corners: Megafires

Are we approaching the 'age of megafires'? It might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but some scientists believe there is cause for concern. Watch this clip to find out how bushfires as we know them are changing. Discover why.

Video

Catalyst: The home of Australian science

Australia has a long and proud history of excellence in science. How should we celebrate this? Watch this clip to find out about an Australian organisation that recognises and promotes outstanding scientific achievement. You'll also find why its Canberra headquarters is referred to as 'the flying saucer'!

Video

Graphene: The new wonder material

Graphene is perhaps the most significant new material produced in recent years. It has many potential applications in electrical devices, biomedical technology and solar energy. Graphene is a form (allotrope) of carbon with some special chemical and physical properties. Watch this clip to explore the molecular structure, ...

Video

Elliot and the Surfing Scientist: Fountain of fizz

Have you ever wondered how many bubbles there are in a bottle of soft drink? What if they all shot out the bottle at the same time in a fountain of fizz! Watch as Ruben Meerman, the Surfing Scientist explores where bubbles come from and how they form, with spectacular results!

Video

Four Corners: Increasing threat of megafires

Many scientists believe we are already experiencing megafires and that they will continue to increase in the future. In this clip you will hear from Australian scientists at the forefront of fire research. Discover what they have to say about the causes, projections, and consequences of an increased megafire threat.

Video

Eyeballing colours

Fiery red, cool blue and sunny yellow are phrases used to describe feelings associated with colours. But what actually is colour? Why is it there and what helps us to see it? Follow Chloe Sheridan as she unravels the complexity of seeing colour by delving into its physics and biology. She entered this video in the 2013 ...

Video

What are microbes?

What are microbes? What are the four major groups that most microbes belong to? Listen as Dr Taghrid Istivan explains where microbes are found. What is the name of the group of microbes she describes as beneficial to our health? Can you explain what happens when people get food poisoning?